Genre Units
Reading:
Each trimester we will complete a Thematic Unit; each Unit will focus on a book read in class and activities that correspond to the book.
The following link takes you to the 4th grade genre weebly:
http://4genre.weebly.com/index.html
Students are expected to read nightly, for at least 20 min. The Book Program gives free pizza coupons to students that reach a grade level goal (500 minutes per month). Feel free to adjust the reading calendar to what works best for your child. Some students may read more on some nights, and others less. As long as they reach 500 minutes, they will have met their goal for that month. This must be filled out and signed by both the parent and student. Book selections should be at their reading level not above. This allows them to properly grow as a reader. The most current Lexile reading level goes home after testing in the beginning of the school year. We will also be using Scholastic News as one way to talk about informational texts. A magazine quiz will be sent home weekly and scored. This magazine is tailored for children and inspires them to learn/discuss about current world topics.
This year the 4th grade Thematic Units will be based on the books below:
Tales of a fourth grade nothing by judy blume
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is the first in Judy Blume's "Fudge" series about the Hatcher family: Mr. and Mrs. Hatcher, their older son Peter, and younger son Farley Drexel, whom everyone calls Fudge.
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr
Based on a true story, young Sadako faces the battle of her life when she is diagnosed with "atomic bomb disease" (leukemia). Talks about the bombing of Hiroshima and how lives and land have been affected. Sadako turns to her native Japanese beliefs, and makes one thousand paper cranes so the gods will grant her wish to be well.
Visit the sites below to learn more about Sadako!
Poppy by Avi
At the very edge of Dimwood Forest stood an old charred oak where, silhouetted by the moon, a great horned owl sat waiting. The owls name was Mr. Ocax, and he looked like death himself. With his piercing gaze, he surveyed the lands he called his own, watching for the creatures he considered his subjects. Not one of them ever dared to cross his path. . .until the terrible night when two little mice went dancing in the moonlight. . .
Writing:
This year 4th graders we be taking four major writing pieces through the writing process:
This year 4th graders we be taking four major writing pieces through the writing process:
- Personal Narrative
- Literary Essay
- Informational
- Persuasive Essay
- Research
Spelling:
You will receive a list 10 words and a skill to focus on each week. A Spelling activity Bingo Sheet will be sent home on Monday with their pre-test. This assignment will be due every Friday and MUST be signed by a parent, to show that work has be completed. A test will be given every Friday. The words will be teacher selected from the Rebecca Sitton program as well as one challenge word from the Marzano 4th grade list.
You will receive a list 10 words and a skill to focus on each week. A Spelling activity Bingo Sheet will be sent home on Monday with their pre-test. This assignment will be due every Friday and MUST be signed by a parent, to show that work has be completed. A test will be given every Friday. The words will be teacher selected from the Rebecca Sitton program as well as one challenge word from the Marzano 4th grade list.